Quick-DD has Strep Throat...

[dismom2]

Last time I had really bad it would not go away and nothing would take the pain away. I also was getting no sleep, so I finally went to the ER because my throat had swollen a lot and I could hardly swallow (and didn't want to swallow because it hurt so bad). They gave me an IV with an ibuprofen and steroids and within minutes I felt so much better! I'm pretty sure it was the steroids that helped the most. I was given more antibiotics to take home, and a bottle of steroids, and was told to take ibuprofen. I immediately started to feel better. This was my second round of antibiotics. I have had strep a few times and this was the worst case I have had, so maybe it needed the more aggressive treatment. I also agree with using the Chloraseptic spray, and keep gargling with warm salt water. It doesn't take all the pain away, and is only temporary, but any relief at all is better than none. I hope all goes well, and soon! It's no fun at all!
I just wanted to add that soda was the only thing that didn't hurt to drink. I prefer Coke, but when I wanted to sleep I would drink the caffein free kind.

 

[agnes!]

... My DH also brought me slurpies and added vodka to them. ...

That kind of sounds good to me and I don't have strep...

agnes!

 

[Talking Hands]

Chloroseptic. Kills the pain and the germies. Really. I did part of the research on the original product when I was a grad student. Awesome bacteria killing properties.

 

[flying_babyb]

not that I advocate giving wiskey to kids but mom used to put a little in a slurpie for ear infections and strep. Works wonders. Still do this to this day. Also taking soda and putting it in the freezer makes a great slushie. GOD I CANT Wait to move and have a working freezer (and slushie)

 

[ORMom2Four]

I get strep often. It is very painful.

The only thing that helps for a bit is gargling warm salt water.

Hope the antibiotics kick in for her soon. Make sure she keeps taking them even after she starts to feel better, or it will come back.

 

[Principessa1284]

Tylenol with codeine!! I had a NASTY case of strep (1st and only) when I was 15. We let it go for so long since we thought it was just a cold - I never got any of those white spots on my throat. Anyway, It was too painful to swallow so when we went to the doctor, my mom asked for something for the pain in addition to the antibiotic for me. It was like hell to swallow but once I had it down, i could actually eat and swallow and talk! It made me a little loopy, but it was a godsend. I'd say talk to the doctor even if you have already - they usually never want a patient to put up with pain that can be taken care of.

 

[ilovejack02]

I get strep often. It is very painful.

The only thing that helps for a bit is gargling warm salt water.

Hope the antibiotics kick in for her soon. Make sure she keeps taking them even after she starts to feel better, or it will come back.

Only thing that really helps me.

 

[mamacatnv]

Don't forget to either toss or bleach her toothbrushes a couple of times thru the process and thoroughly at the end of the antibiotic cycle and then every few days for the week after.
I usually put them in the dishwasher (I'm talking about the $20 heads for the Sonicare and I'm not throwing 2 or 3 away every time strep gets into our house). In the case of the musical ones, I just soak the entire head in a cup of bleach overnight, rinse well and go back to using.

 

[INDISMOM]

Last time my daughter had strep, the doctor said to relieve the pain she could gargle with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and benedryl (or generic allergy medicine). You mix it half and half and gargle away.

Don't know if your daughter is old enough to gargle yet, but it did help my daughter.

The doctor also said she has her daughter do it if strep is going around -- she said it keeps her from getting it

 

[happily single]

UPDATE: I spoke with the nurse at the dr's office. They won't give her anything for hte pain. They suggested the Magic Mouthwash which the dr had previously given. It's a mixture of Licodan (spelling) an antacid and one other thing.

SO I DID A BAD THING-I BOUGHT NYQUIL AND GAVE IT TO HER. WITHIN 1 1/2 HOURS SHE WAS STILL COMPLAINING ABOUT HER THROAT BUT SHE WAS PRETTY DRUGGED. YUP. BAD MOM.

I will remember to pick up some new toothbrushes tommorow. Thanks

 

[flying_babyb]

Your not a bad mom. My ma used to do the nyquil too (still does)

 

[autumnpalm]

I get strep all the time. I find the best thing to do is drink tea with honey and gargle with salt water.

And a slightly off topic question... I seem to read a lot about hospitals in the US giving IVs for things (this thread mentions ibuprofen and something else)... is that regular practice? I've never heard of IVs being used for anything like that? I'm in Canada.

 

[bigmerle1966]

I get strep all the time. I find the best thing to do is drink tea with honey and gargle with salt water.

And a slightly off topic question... I seem to read a lot about hospitals in the US giving IVs for things (this thread mentions ibuprofen and something else)... is that regular practice? I've never heard of IVs being used for anything like that? I'm in Canada.

I think it is for extreme cases, mainly because with an IV they can get the drugs in faster. Also they do it to get fluids in someone who may also be dehydrated.